gnometransparencywindow
Sometimes ago I used KDE 3.5 I think, and really liked the transparency option for windows, which gave all my text editor a really killer look and feel, really nice/ethereal environment for coding.
I haven't managed to find such a possibility with GNOME.
Any idea if it is possible and how?
True transparency requires compositing -
Wikipedia says...
Compositing is the combining of visual elements from separate sources into single images, often to create the illusion that all those elements are parts of the same scene.
Since Gnome (No Effects) is literally just that - no effects.
However, you can persuade metacity which is the default window-manager to provide some compositing effects.
Use gconf-editor and tick the key as shown.
You could also use a lightweight compositor such as xcompmgr to achieve the same - i.e. run xcompmgr & in your startup applications.
Transparency requires desktop compositing to work properly.
Install compizconfig-settings-manager and make sure that 'Composite' under the 'general' category is enabled.
Best Answer
Assuming that your system is able handle the
Opacifycompiz plugin then you just have to install Advanced Desktop Effects Settingsand play with the
Opacifysettings till you get your desired effect.To start the CompizConfig Settings Manager you go to System -> Preferences -> CompizConfig Settings Manager